Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle
There is a lot of discussion about lying lately. Whether it be in presidential politics or the public forum in general it is almost alarming. Consider the Olympic swimmer who over exaggerated a situation in order to make the spotlight shine upon him. For Ryan Lochte, the sun did shine upon him in that he won twelve Olympic medals, however the truth illuminated his untruths. These lies are offered as to invite us into a controverted reality. As a whole they are creating a great distrust of those in the public spotlight.
In the gospel, Philip invites Nathanael to come and see the one about whom the prophets spoke. Nathanael distrusts Philip, still upon meeting Jesus Philip understands Jesus as the real deal. Jesus invites this new believer to even more deeply the glory of God. In the book of revelation the visionary is invited to see the glory of God, the new Jerusalem and the names of the twelve apostles carved in stone. The imagery describes the majestic reality of the kingdom of heaven to which we are all invited.
Nathanael who we know as Bartholomew, Jesus describes as a true Israelite in whom there is no duplicity. While not much is known Bartholomew, we do believe he saw the glory of God beyond the person of Jesus. Jesus invited Bartholomew and us to a deeper relationship with the Lord. This feast reminds us once again that we are to leave all behind for the sake of the gospel and follow Jesus.
What might be one the thing that you could do today to respond to the Lord’s invitation to follow him?
- Deacon Michael Montgomery